Few dishes capture the essence of comfort like Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese. Imagine a plate piled high with golden, crispy chicken—its spicy, seasoned crust just waiting to crunch between your teeth—and nestled right next to it, a blanket of buttery, gooey mac and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes people gather around the table with zero hesitation, whether it’s a cozy Sunday supper or a lively weeknight dinner. Every forkful gives you that irresistible mix of crispy, juicy, rich, and creamy: the ultimate comfort duo. Get ready, because once you make this, it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great meals are built from simple, great ingredients, and this Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is no exception. Each item here is easy to find and totally crucial for perfect texture, flavor, and those classic golden colors that make you want to dive right in.
- Chicken Thighs & Drumsticks: Dark meat stays juicy and soaks up all that delicious marinade for rich, memorable flavor.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and gives it unbeatable moisture inside that crackling crust.
- Hot Sauce: Adds subtle tang and heat, rounding out the flavor of the marinade.
- All-Purpose Flour: The secret to that golden, shatteringly crisp chicken exterior.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Foundational seasonings so your chicken tastes savory and lively, never flat.
- Paprika: Brings a touch of smokiness and that inviting reddish hue.
- Garlic & Onion Powders: Infuse both the chicken coating and the mac and cheese with tasty depth.
- Vegetable Oil: Necessary for frying—choose peanut, canola, or sunflower for clean, even cooking.
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic, crowd-pleasing pasta that holds all that cheese sauce in its nooks and crannies.
- Unsalted Butter & Flour: Form the backbone of your luscious cheese sauce—a quick homemade roux means no lumps!
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: These create a mac and cheese sauce that’s extra silky and decadent.
- Sharp Cheddar & Mozzarella: The combo gives you bold, sharp flavor and oozy meltiness that stretches with every forkful.
- Ground Mustard (optional): Adds a subtle tang—skip it if you like, but it does boost the overall complexity.
- Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for a fresh finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together buttermilk and hot sauce in a big bowl—this mixture does all the heavy lifting for juicy, tasty chicken. Add in your chicken thighs and drumsticks, making sure each piece is well-coated, then cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least four hours (overnight is even better!). This marinating step adds flavor all the way to the bone and ensures incredibly tender meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
While your chicken bathes in flavor, grab another bowl and combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoned flour is what gives your fried chicken that signature Southern crunch and deep flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once marinated, remove the chicken pieces and let any excess marinade drip off. Press each piece firmly into the seasoned flour, turning it to coat every nook and cranny. A good, thick flour layer is what gives your Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese that golden, picture-perfect crust.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Pour about an inch of oil into a large, sturdy skillet and heat it to medium-high (you’re aiming for around 350°F). Carefully add the chicken in batches—don’t crowd the pan, or you’ll lose that essential crispness. Fry for 10 to 12 minutes per side until the chicken turns a glorious deep golden color and registers 165°F internal temperature. Let your cooked pieces rest and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
While the chicken fries, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. The pasta should be tender but not mushy, perfect for soaking up rivers of cheese sauce. Drain it and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about a minute to make a quick roux—this thickens your sauce and ensures there are no weird floury lumps. Next, gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, cooking and stirring for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes delightfully velvety.
Step 7: Add Cheese & Finish the Mac and Cheese
Pull the saucepan off the heat and stir in both cheeses, salt, black pepper, and if you like, a touch of ground mustard. Fold in the cooked macaroni and toss everything together until every bit of pasta is coated in cheese sauce. The end result should be supremely creamy, just like any Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese lover dreams of.
How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley on the mac and cheese adds a fresh pop of color and just a hint of brightness. For the chicken, you might add a dusting of flaked sea salt right after frying or a few slices of pickles on the side for classic Southern flair. Little touches like these really make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with more Southern favorites. Collard greens, creamy coleslaw, or even a vinegary cucumber salad offer refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy, and crunchy duo on the plate. Warm, flaky biscuits or a piece of cornbread are fantastic on the side to soak up any lingering cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish can go elegant or homey in its presentation. Serve the chicken piled high over a bed of mac and cheese for a dramatic look, or try plating individually with pretty ramekins of creamy pasta. If it’s a casual gathering, let everyone help themselves family-style for a warm, welcoming vibe. However you choose, Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese always manages to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your fried chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken keeps best for up to three days, while the creamy pasta can stay fresh for about four days. Keeping them apart helps the chicken stay as crisp as possible when it’s reheated.
Freezing
Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese can be frozen with a few adjustments. For best results, freeze the fried chicken individually wrapped to preserve its texture—just be sure it’s completely cool first. The mac and cheese can go into a freezer-safe container. Thaw both overnight in the fridge for an easy, comforting meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in a 375°F oven (preferably on a wire rack) until hot and crispy again—avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy. For the mac and cheese, a few minutes on the stovetop with a splash of milk will revive that creamy magic. Warm everything just until hot, and your leftovers will taste almost as good as the first day.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
Absolutely! While dark meat is more traditional for Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese because it stays juicier, you can substitute bone-in chicken breasts—just adjust frying time, as they may cook a bit faster.
What’s the best way to keep fried chicken crispy?
After frying, always drain the chicken on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. For extra crispiness, place the fried chicken in a warm oven (around 200°F) uncovered until you’re ready to serve.
Can I add extra spices to the breading?
For sure! Feel free to experiment with a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or your favorite Cajun seasoning in the flour mix for bolder flavor in your Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese.
How do I keep my mac and cheese creamy and not dry?
Be sure not to overbake or let the sauce get too thick before mixing in the pasta. Adding a splash more cream or milk when reheating keeps it perfectly creamy every time.
What cheese is best for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic and gives lots of flavor, while mozzarella melts beautifully for texture. Try smoked cheddar for extra depth, or toss in a little Monterey Jack or gouda—it’s hard to go wrong!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving true blue comfort food, Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is guaranteed to hit the spot. Once you taste the golden, crispy chicken alongside the rich, melty mac, it’ll instantly become a go-to for gatherings or whenever you need a little food hug. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a dish that’s honestly irresistible.
Print
Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken paired with creamy Mac and Cheese. Crispy, seasoned chicken alongside rich and cheesy pasta, this classic combo will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Fried Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- vegetable oil for frying
Mac and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fried Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Marinate chicken in the mixture. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour. Fry until golden brown.
- Mac and Cheese: Cook macaroni, then set aside. Make a cheese sauce. Combine pasta and sauce until creamy.
- Serve fried chicken with mac and cheese. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Add a dash of cayenne to the flour for spicier chicken.
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor in the mac and cheese.
- The chicken can be baked after frying for an extra crispy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh, 1 drumstick, and 1 cup mac and cheese
- Calories: 890
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 54g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
